Name:  Bill Pollock 

Age:  52 

Resides:  Corona  

Family:  Wife — Christina Pollock, teacher, Garretson Elementary School; two sons, ages 17 and 22

Occupation:  Physician Assistant, Citrus Valley Family Practice, since 1999 

Education:  Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology, UCLA; Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, UCLA; Master of Science, Health and Exercise Science, Wake Forest University; Physician Assistant Degree, Wake Forest University School of Medicine 

Community Involvement:

• Team Physician Assistant, Centennial High School, since 2003 (provide medical coverage to student-athletes). I also provide injury care and Concussion Management to student-athletes at Santiago, Roosevelt and Corona high schools on an on-call basis
• School Site Council, Centennial, since 2008
• WATCHD.O.G.S. Dads Club
• Computer Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Board, CNUSD/Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE)
• High School Sports Physical Organizer (organizes sports physicals at the CNUSD high schools and donates the money received back to the participating schools)
• PTSA member, since 1999
• Student Interview/Health Panel, Career Expo, CNUSD/Corona Chamber of Commerce
• Worship Team/Music Ministry, (percussionist), Northpoint Church
• Medical Response Team, Northpoint Church
• Classroom volunteer, multiple CNUSD schools
• Health Education Presenter, various CNUSD schools. (Topics include: heart health; cancer prevention; dangers of drugs/alcohol; skin health/skin cancer prevention; concussions)
• Participant, WASC Accreditation Visits, parent/community representative, Centennial High
• Advisory Board, Corona Life Services
• Annual participant, American Cancer Society, Relay for Life
• Friends of Corona Public Library, member

Learn More About Me:  Website: www.voteforbillpollock.com  Facebook: Elect Bill Pollock for School Board; Email: bcjcpoll@sbcglobal.net

Why are you seeking election?
I love our community, and I’m passionate about doing all I can to help our students and schools be safe and successful. Living and working in Corona for almost 50 years, I’ve learned three important things:

• OUR COMMUNITY IS INCOMPARABLE
• AN EDUCATION IS INVALUABLE
• OUR KIDS ARE INCREDIBLE

I believe that education is the cornerstone of our lives, and that everyone should have the opportunity to obtain a quality education. By striving to learn, we continue to grow as individuals, and as a community. That’s why I place such a high priority in our educational system and schools.

What are the predominant issues facing the Corona-Norco Unified School District and how would you address them?
We need safe and healthy schools. This entails physical safety and emotional safety. I want to create programs that help identify and address mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. I want to eliminate the stigma of mental health issues, so we can avoid the detrimental consequences seen from these issues (such as bullying, suicides, school shootings). More psychologists should be available at our schools, including at the elementary level. I want more programs to prevent bullying and suicides, including educational programs, assemblies, and online resources for students and parents to promote safety.

• We need smaller class sizes. Research shows smaller classes allow teachers and students to be better engaged in learning, which leads to improved student success, earlier identification of learning/behavioral issues and improved teacher morale.

• I believe in educating the whole child. Thus, programs in music and the arts, performing arts and clubs/activities should be expanded instead of eliminated.

• Computer Technical Education (CTE) programs and vocational training programs need to be provided for students wanting to pursue career opportunities. As much as we would want every student to attend a four-year university, some students are geared towards a trade or vocation, so these programs are essential for their success.

• We need to continue preparing our students for the 21st Century. Continuing to provide programs such as GATE, STEM, Dual Immersion, IB and AVID are essential, with the goal to expand these programs to other school sites.

• We need to provide additional Special Education resources. More one-on-one help in the classroom benefits both student and teacher.

• We need to equip our teachers and staff with the necessary resources to effectively do their jobs. State-of-the-art technology, mentoring programs and Program Development opportunities help our educators do their jobs, thus helping students be successful.

What are the predominant school issues facing Temescal Valley and how would you address them?
Temescal Valley is a wonderful community with unique issues, as it encompasses two school districts, requires different agencies for police, fire, and utilities, and has to deal with laborious transportation/traffic problems. With more housing planned, some of these issues are going to worsen. In relation to schools:

• I believe in neighborhood schools. Driving 30 minutes to get to your high school is unacceptable. I want to see both a middle school and high school in the Temescal Valley. While transforming Todd and TVES into academies are short-term solutions, these sites aren’t conducive for TK-8th grades for the long-term. Finding adequate sites for secondary schools and procuring funding, is a priority. This would benefit the community, reduce traffic woes for the TV (and surrounding areas), and provide safer schools. Until secondary schools are a reality, developing programs at Todd Academy and TVES can help with some issues. For example, using older students for Student Valet programs and for Mentoring/Tutoring opportunities can improve safety and student performance.

• Expand programs to TV schools. For example, implementing a comprehensive GATE program, and a Dual Immersion Program at TV schools would allow students to remain at their home schools and will facilitate the neighborhood school philosophy.

• Increase community and business involvement in the schools (such as adopt-a-school programs), to further enhance the community relationship, and off-set some funding issues.

• Maximize communication with county and surrounding city representatives, so our children are safe at school, and while traveling to and from campuses.

• The CNUSD Trustee Area 5 board member should be involved with the TV Education Committee to allow continued communication and cooperation. Other board members should be encouraged to attend committee meetings, for enhanced involvement and communication.